Windchimes

Hello! I’m Windchimes, a freelance writer that specializes in writing for visual novels.

If you're possibly interested in hiring me to write, edit or proofread your visual novel, this is the right place! You'll be able to find more information about me and my commissions here.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Thanks for visiting, and I hope I'll get the chance to work with you!

About

I'm Mae, but I usually go by Windchimes on the Internet. I've been writing for visual novels, particularly otome games, for about five years. I'm now pursuing a career in freelance writing and indie game development full-time.

I currently run my own visual novel studio, Wind Chimes Games. The studio's debut project, Reanimation Scheme, is now in development.

I like to think I'm pretty easygoing and friendly, so hopefully, it would be an enjoyable experience working with me if we collaborate on a project. I'm always eager to meet and learn from indie game developers, especially visual novel creators, so feel free to just hit me up anytime for a chat!

PORTFOLIO

The following are the most notable visual novels I've worked on in the past:

Projects including the following will be rejected. If your project falls under any of the following categories, I’m afraid I’m not the right writer.

18+ content (e.g. excessive violence, sexual scenes, gore, etc.)

Nudity or ecchi

Fetishes

Furry

COMMISSIONS INFORMATION

Service #1: Writing

Job Description

Kind of self-explanatory. I will write the script of your visual novel, or parts of it as requested. I can also create characters (with detailed profiles) and story outlines, but please note that it would incur extra fees on top of the writing rates.

Past Experience

Visual Novel

Genres

Description

Royal Alchemist

Otome, BL, Fantasy, Survival

I was hired to write part of Serin's route, as well as create more detailed scene outlines for a bit of Nazir's route.

Lads in Distress

Otome, Fantasy, Fairy Tale

This project was originally completed for the NaNoRenO game jam in 2016. Upon positive reception, the team began working on an expanded version of this game, which is still in progress. I am the main writer (and programmer) of this visual novel. I'm currently in charge of Snow's route, Zel's route, and Nicholl's route.

AIRIS

Otome, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Mystery

This visual novel was completed in 2017 for the NaNoRenO game jam. I worked with a co-writer for this project, so only the common route, Kylan’s route and half of Everea’s route are representative of my work. Unfortunately, Ebullience Games was disbanded in 2018, so there are no longer any available download links for this game.

Red String of Fate

Otome, Slice of Life, Fantasy, Comedy

This visual novel was completed in 2017. I worked with a co-writer for this project, so only Luke’s route is written by me (and edited by my co-writer). Unfortunately, Ebullience Games was disbanded in 2018, so there are no longer any available download links for this game.

Writing Samples

Here are some samples of my writing (in the format of a visual novel script):

I’m most experienced in writing romance, particularly with female protagonists. Writing realistic romance development is one of my main strengths. Moreover, I can weave (hopefully) interesting plots and mysteries. Previous otomes I’ve written tend to have equal focus on romance and the overarching plot. I also pay a lot of attention to creating well-rounded, realistic characters that feel human.

As shown by the two completed NaNoRenO games in my record, I am able to write fast under pressure. For example, I produced roughly 70k words for AIRIS within the span of one month in March 2017.

Having worked with big teams for quite a few visual novels before, I’m comfortable with working in a team environment, and I have experience communicating with a co-writer to come up with ideas and write consistently together.

I also doubled as the programmer for most of the previous visual novels I’ve written previously. As a result, I’m familiar with writing the script in Ren’Py script format, so no additional conversion is necessary if you’re using Ren’Py to create the visual novel (though you would still need to code in the art / music ...etc yourself).

As for writing style, it changes depending on the genre — I can write more flowery language for historical romances, but simpler and more straightforward for modern slice of life. However, I do generally like to adopt a more or less even mix of narration and dialogue.

Pricing

I usually charge 0.04 USD to 0.05 USD for each word I write.

The exact price is dependent on some factors, such as complexity of the story, time available before deadline, amount of background research required...etc. I will let you know the exact rate after receiving all the relevant information about the commission I need.

If there are no character profiles or outlines ready, and you’ll need me to create them, I may charge extra. The price depends on too many factors, so we would need to discuss the price for character profiles / outlining before agreeing on the terms of the commission.

Additional notes:

I usually only accept per word rate and not revenue / profit sharing.

Prices may be negotiable if you have a limited budget, or I may offer a bulk discount if your visual novel has a very long script.

Prices are the same for both free and commercial projects.

All payments will be made through PayPal.

Commission Process

Here is how it would usually go if you hire me to write for your visual novel:

All terms for the writing commission are agreed upon by both parties. Work begins.

I provide my Discord handle so you can add me to any server / group chat for the visual novel or communicate with me with instant messaging. (If you so prefer, we can continue communicating through email, but I personally wouldn’t recommend that as I would need to work closely with the director / any co-writers / editors / possibly artists to craft the story.)

I create detailed profiles for each character along with any co-writers if necessary. (If character profiles are already provided, then this step will be skipped.)

I create a rough outline / summary for the route / plot along with any co-writers if necessary. (If outlines are already provided, then this step will be skipped.)

Upon approval of the rough outline, I flesh out the outline to add more details and possible branching.

Upon approval of the detailed outline, I begin writing scene by scene, usually in order.

Upon completing one scene, I send it to you either through Google Docs or a .rpy file. (Changes can be requested at this stage if reasonable, but nothing major like changing how the entire scene goes, as you should have approved the detailed outline already. I will also usually edit the scene till I’m satisfied with it before delivering it to you, and I will also fix any errors you point out that I didn’t notice, but please note that you should hire a separate editor to copy edit to ensure quality.)

Upon approval, I send an invoice through PayPal to you for the completed scene (word count x agreed word rate).

Upon receiving the payment, I’ll begin working on the next scene.

COMMISSIONS INFORMATION

Services #2 & #3: Editing & Proofreading

Job Description

Editing: Basically line editing. I’ll be going over your script line by line, doing things that may include: picking out errors, rewriting and changing the phrasing to improve the language, removing unnecessary or redundant information, point out confusing bits or inconsistencies in content, adjust tones and character voices, etc. We can discuss if there’s particular things you want or don’t want me to do with editing.

Proofreading: I’ll only be going through your script for mistakes, such as grammar, spelling and typos.

Past Experience

Visual Novel

Genres

Description

Forgotten, Not Lost

Kinetic Novel

A commercial kinetic novel created by Afterthought Studios that I edited for. I was also credited as co-writer in the end due to the extent of my work.

A More Beautiful World

Kinetic Novel, Fantasy

Another commercial kinetic novel created by Afterthought Studios that I edited for.

Skills

I have a good understanding of English grammar, so I should be able to spot mistakes fairly easily. As a writer myself, I’m experienced in matters such as creating characters, weaving plots, etc. Therefore, I will be able to provide feedback on the overall story and give suggestions if asked.

Having worked with different writers before, I have experience editing scripts written in different styles. I can also be sensitive to writers’ feelings, and I’ll provide constructive criticisms and suggestions in an encouraging and understanding manner. I’m also open to discussion if the writer(s) disagree with certain changes I’ve made.

I’m also comfortable reading scripts written in Ren’Py format as I’ve been the programmer of several visual novels made in the Ren’Py engine before.

PricingFor editing, I usually charge 0.02 USD to 0.03 USD for each word of the original script.

For proofreading, the rate is 0.01 USD for each word of the original script.

The exact price is dependent on some factors, such as level of editing required, complexity of the story, time available before deadline, amount of background research required...etc. I will let you know the exact rate after receiving all the relevant information about the commission I need.

Additional notes:

I usually only accept per word rate and not revenue / profit sharing.

Prices may be negotiable if you have a limited budget, or I may offer a bulk discount if your visual novel has a very long script.

Prices are the same for both free and commercial projects.

All payments will be made through PayPal.

Commission Process

Here is how it would usually go if you hire me to edit or proofread your visual novel:

All terms for the writing commission are agreed upon by both parties. Work begins.

I provide my Discord handle so you can add me to any server / group chat for the visual novel or communicate with me with instant messaging. (If you so prefer, we can continue communicating through email, but I personally wouldn’t recommend that as I might need to work closely with the writers / co-editors.)

For editing commissions, you send all relevant information about the writing to me, such as the character profiles, outlines, plot summary, etc, so I can have a better understanding of the visual novel.

You send the completed script (or completed parts of the script) to me as a Google Doc, .rpy file; or Microsoft Word file.

We note down the original word count of the scene.

I begin editing or proofreading the first scene / chapter. (The exact method of editing / proofreading can be further discussed if the following practice is not convenient for you.)

GOOGLE DOCS: I will change it to Suggesting mode so that all changes I made will be tracked, and you can accept or reject them. I will leave comments making explanations or remarks where necessary.

.RPY FILE: I will either change the script directly or only suggest changes in comments on the .rpy file with ##. I will also leave comments making explanations or remarks where necessary.

MICROSOFT WORD FILE: I’ll turn on Track Changes before making edits. I will leave comments making explanations or remarks where necessary.

I deliver the finished scene to you.

Upon approval, I send an invoice through PayPal to you for the completed scene (original word count x agreed word rate).

Upon receiving the payment, I’ll begin working on the next scene.

Terms of service

Last updated: 13th May, 2019

Rejecting Offers

I reserve the right to reject any commission offer I see fit.

Legalities

I require credit for my work. I currently do not accept ghostwriting commissions.

I reserve the copyright of my writing and keep the right to reproduce excerpts of my writing as writing samples or in my portfolio. (Please discuss with me beforehand if you want me to keep my writing confidential until your project has been released.)

Unless otherwise agreed, I maintain the status as a freelance independent contractor, and I owe no duty of loyalty to the client. I may work for myself or other clients in projects or businesses that may or may not be competing with yours, both during and after the period of working for your project as commissioned.

Do not use my work in any other project without my approval.

Limitations

I reserve the right to terminate the commission if at any point of development, the visual novel I am hired to write is changed in such a way or to such an extent that it violates my limitations mentioned in the "Limitations" section on the "Commissions" page (e.g. adding 18+ scenes, gore). No refunds will be given for previous payments made for the writing that I’ve already completed.

Termination of Commission

If, for whatever reason, you want to terminate the commission: 1. Please inform me as soon as possible. 2. Outstanding payments for any work I’ve already done must still be paid. 3. Credit still required for any portion of my work that you will use. 4. Previous payments made for already completed work will not be refunded.

If I receive no response from the client after three months (without prior notice), I will assume the project has been dropped and remove the project from my work queue until next contacted.

By commissioning me, you agree that you have read, understood and will abide by these terms.

Contact

If you're interested in commissioning me, please send me a message with the following information:

Service(s) wanted (Writing / editing / proofreading)

Project name

Studio name

Information about your project (Preferably include a link to the game page or social media if possible)

Estimated workload (Total word count)

Estimated deadlines

Any other relevant information

I will get back to you as soon as possible! Please allow up to 2 to 3 business days for a response.

Add an [URGENT] tag to the title of the email if it’s an urgent matter that needs my immediate attention!